Over 20 institutions, individuals and countries were awarded on Friday 23 November 2017, by Shout Climate Change Africa (SCCA) for their contribution in safeguarding the environment at the Miatta Conference hall.
The awards were divided into three categories; national environmental care award, climate change humanitarian and climate change leadership.
Among the institutions and individuals that received awards were Awoko newspaper for reporting extensively on environmental issues, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and Kofi Annan were awarded as climate change pioneers. President Ernest Bai Koroma was awarded for his strong leadership and the Humanitarian award went to Wally Olu Koya of Zenith Bank.
Other individuals, institutions and countries that also took to the podium were China, Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Shankerdas company, the Inspector General of Police, Francis Munu, the Mayor of Freetown, Frankly B. Gibson and many others.
In her address, the Executive Director of SCCA, Doris Massaquoi said the environmental awards is a way of acknowledging and appreciating the effort of all those that have been playing active roles on the issue of climate change either locally or globally. “It encourages and motivates other personalities to stage this fight now for the safety of generations to come.”
She added that the objective of 21 century modern world should be maintenance of human security in a wider perception. She added that environmental problems truly affect human security citing the recent mudslide and flash floods.
The show was chaired by T.J. Cole and Mrs Grace. Both of them cautioned the audience to take care of the environment in their opening statements in order to make the environment safe for the present generation and generations yet unborn.
After receiving the award as Environmental Officer of the year, Sulaiman Z. Parker applauded the organizer for such awards. He noted, “I feel highly honoured to receive such a prestigious award. I always feel Freetown has an environmental landscape that we must protect.”
The Inspector General of Police (IG), Francis Munu, thanked the organizers for such recognition. He underscored, “The Sierra Leone Police have established an Environmental Unit to look at matters with regards to the environment. We are working very hard as a force to protect the environment.”
The General Manager of SALWACO, Samuel Bangura, after receiving his award as the Chief Executive Officer of the year, said, “I was surprised when I received a letter from SCCA. I don’t know anybody there. What I believe is hard work and the truth is hard work pays.”
The ceremony was climaxed by musical performances from Sierra Leonean artists.
MJB/25/11/17
By Mohamed J. Bah
Monday November 27, 2017.
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